In the modern age where nations race towards space, India marked its name on the celestial map with Chandrayaan-3's spectacular success. But as India reveled in its lunar glory, some in the British media seemed to have been left "star-struck" in a rather peculiar manner.

After the commendable achievement by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 23rd August 2023, making India the first nation to successfully touch down on the Moon’s South Pole, murmurs echoed from the corridors of Western media. India's prowess was a testament to its rapid technological advancement, but it seems some folks over at the UK had their telescopes pointed in the wrong direction.

Amusingly, some British "journalists", and I use the term loosely, began to whine about Britain's imaginary "aid" to India. Isn't it delightful when a success story turns into a comedy?

For instance, let's talk about GB News’ Patrick Christys. It's quite evident that Christys is suffering from a severe bout of historical hangover. It's almost as if the information about modern India hasn't quite landed on his desk, much like how Britain never quite landed on the Moon. His recent rant demanding the return of the 2.3 Billion Pounds "aid" Britain supposedly sent to India since 2016 would have been comedic if it wasn't tinged with a bit of racism.

In a delightful twist, GB News’ claims were swiftly "fact-checked" by Community Notes, labeling them misleading. But Christys, in his magnanimity, offered India his “congratulations”, albeit with a snide remark. “I would like to congratulate India on landing on the dark side of the moon. I would also like to invite India to return 2.3 billion Pounds for aid money that we sent between 2016 and 2021,” he said. He even prophesied that Britain intends to send 53 million Pounds to India next year.

In his closing argument, he quipped, “If you can fire rockets to the moon’s dark side, you should not be coming to us with your hand out.” But here's a thought: Maybe, just maybe, if Britain focused more on space exploration than imaginary ledgers, they'd be on the Moon with India, instead of throwing shade from Earth. After all, why gaze at the dark side of the moon when you can be stuck in the dark ages of journalism?

The British Media's Space-Farce: GB News' Colonially-Tinged Chronicles

As India carved a historic space imprint with Chandrayaan-3, some in Britain, instead of gazing at the skies, found their gaze fixated on an old, dusty, colonial-era ledger. The reaction from the British media, particularly GB News, was less about the lunar achievement and more about their own luna-cy.

Nigel Farage of GB News, never one to shy away from a microphone, expressed his “concern” about India’s use of resources. “I don’t think we should be giving a penny of your money in foreign aid to a country with enough resources to land on the moon,” he pompously proclaimed. With his impeccable knack for drama, Farage painted India as a nation splurging on space, military, and nuclear endeavors while overlooking its poor. One must wonder, does Farage's telescope only show half the picture?

Adam Brooks of GB News echoed similar sentiments, lamenting, "India sends space rockets to the moon, but we, the taxpayer, still fund foreign aid to the Country. So so wrong." Oh, Mr. Brooks, if only your focus was as accurate as India's lunar trajectory.

It's almost touching to see GB News' undying commitment to an era gone by, with their insistence on a "grand British savior" narrative. However, this colonial sepia-toned lens through which they view the world seems to be rather smudged. Their blatant ignorance, veering towards a colonial hangover, paints a picture of Britain graciously showering benevolence upon the world, a gesture as outdated as the notion of the 'mighty' British Empire itself.

Ben Habib's claim, as quoted by Express, epitomizes this antiquated perspective. He stated, "It is odd... that the UK gives increasing amounts of aid to India, a country with a space program and an economy bigger than our own." The icing on the cake is Kemi Badenoch's speculated motive for the 'aid', hoping it would ease trade agreement negotiations. A rather naive assumption, don't you think?

In the glaring light of modern-day realities, it's crucial for the likes of GB News to understand a simple truth: India doesn't receive aid from Britain. It's time they accept that the world orbits around facts and not fanciful imperial delusions. Maybe then, their commentary would land as successfully as Chandrayaan-3 did on the Moon's South Pole.

“Neither can the UK afford it. It should not have escaped the FCDO that we are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis. Our finances stretched,” lamented a British critic. “Instead of spraying aid around the world, perhaps HMG could instead cut our taxes?” The sentiment is reminiscent of an old-world charm, thinking they're painting India with 'soft power' through their contributions. “People speak of the soft power that providing aid gives the UK. It is a quaint but wrong notion. The £100 million given to India over three years will do nothing for India, will not be recognised and will not improve the UK’s standing one jot. Like so much of government expenditure, our foreign aid is being wasted,” he continued.

Journalist Sophie weighed in on the issue, pointing out, “India has become the first country to successfully land a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon so why did we send them £33.4 million in foreign aid which is set to rise to £57 million in 24/25? Time we get our money back.”

Indeed, this isn't the first instance where the British have sung the tired tune of their supposed 'foreign aid'. Upon the launch of Chandrayaan3, Paul Golding, leader of the British First political party, took to Twitter. “Well done India on the success of your space program. And shame on UK politicians who keep unnecessarily giving India tens of millions of pounds in ‘foreign aid’,” he wrote, his sarcasm palpable.

However, what many in Britain seem to conveniently ignore is the destination of this 'aid'. It doesn't go to the Indian government or its institutions. Instead, it's funneled into private charities and NGOs, many of which ironically don't always align with India's broader goals.

Back in 2012, India’s former finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee, gave the British a reality check, terming their annual aid of £280 million (Rs 2,798 crore) as mere “peanuts.” This ruffled feathers in the UK political arena. Why continue this 'aid', they asked, when India, with its own space program and foreign aid budget, clearly doesn't need it?

The answer lies not in the present, but in the past. A past where the British still believed in the grandeur of their empire, generously 'helping' colonies. Today, as India soars to celestial heights, maybe it's time for Britain to finally, truly, let go of its past.

2015 marked an interesting chapter in Indo-UK relations. During that period, India, in a statement of self-assurance and rising economic confidence, expressed its disinterest in receiving British aid. A poignant moment indeed, signaling India's rise as a global powerhouse and its desire to break free from the image of a nation in need. By 2017, the narrative had further evolved, with India emerging as a donor rather than a receiver, disbursing more foreign aid than it was taking in. This was a moment of subtle but significant geopolitical assertion, leaving many colonial-era commentators scrambling to reassess their viewpoints.

Yet, fast forward to 2023, and the story took another twist. An intriguing report by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) emerged, throwing light on the ongoing UK financial assistance to India. Notably, ICAI, maintaining a critical distance from the government, delves into the intricate details of UK aid, ensuring accountability.

Their revelations have been both illuminating and stirring. The report claimed a whopping £2.3 billion (equivalent to Rs 23,000 crore) was channeled to India from 2016 to 2021. Breaking down the numbers, it states, “We calculated that the UK provided around £2.3 billion in aid to India between 2016 and 2021. This figure includes £441 million in bilateral aid, £129 million in development investment via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), £749 million of aid through multilateral organizations, and £1 billion in investments through British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution.”

However, here's the catch. The nature of this 'aid' isn't the traditional handout that many British commentators have been harping about. It’s more of an investment, tailored to contemporary global dynamics, economic potentials, and mutual interests. In essence, both countries stand to benefit from this financial arrangement, with the UK looking to capitalize on India's booming economy and vast market.

In the grander scheme of things, while India's Chandrayaan-3 makes its mark in space, this debate about 'aid' seems quite terrestrial, if not trivial. One might even say that while India looks to the stars, some in the UK are still busy counting pennies. As the world marvels at India's celestial achievements, perhaps it's time for a reality check: The narrative of "aid" needs a fresh perspective, one that understands the evolving dynamics of a modern, assertive India and a Britain that needs to recognize mutual growth over outdated charity.

The Nuances of Britain's "Aid": Unraveling the ICAI Report

When we talk about the 'aid' UK extends to India, the conversation is layered, historical, and often, misconstrued. The recent report from the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) sets the record straight, laying out the complexities and nuances of this 'aid', which is starkly different from the conventional charity that many might imagine.

The British International Investment (BII), as the ICAI report sheds light on, stands as an epitome of the evolution of Britain's relationship with its former colonies. Established back in 1948 as the Colonial Development Corporation, its mandate is intriguingly straightforward yet powerful: to "do good without losing money." This underlying philosophy has driven BII to be actively involved in India, culminating in a massive portfolio of 389 investments valued at £2.3 billion in 2021. This investment not only stands as a testament to India's economic potential but also BII's commitment to its mission, with India accounting for a whopping 28% of BII's total portfolio.

The nature and essence of British funding to India, as revealed in the ICAI report, have undergone a significant metamorphosis over the years. No longer is it a one-sided charity doled out to a needy beneficiary. Instead, it's an evolved, strategic partnership focusing on mutual growth, investments, and addressing global challenges. The report articulates, “While there are still substantial volumes of UK aid to India, it is now very different in nature and purpose.” The transformation is evident: From basic services like health and education, the focus has now shifted to broader areas such as climate change, infrastructure, and economic development.

Moreover, for those who might still harbor doubts about the nature of the UK's funding to India, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) clears the air unequivocally. A spokesperson from FCDO underscores that no financial aid has been directed towards the Indian government since 2015. Elaborating on the shift in focus, the spokesperson reiterates, “Since 2015 the UK has given no financial aid to the government of India. Most of our funding now is focused on business investments which help create new markets and jobs for the UK, as well as India. UK investments are also helping tackle shared challenges such as climate change.”

In essence, what the ICAI report and subsequent statements emphasize is a story of evolution. The narrative of 'aid' has matured from mere financial assistance to strategic partnerships and shared objectives. As India continues to grow, the definition of 'aid' needs to be reevaluated and understood in its modern context. It's high time the discussions are elevated beyond simplistic debates, recognizing the multi-faceted, multi-dimensional nature of modern international relationships.

UK's Clarion Call - Setting the Record Straight on Aid to India

In a landmark move, on the 25th of April, 2023, the UK Government stepped up to shed light on the much-debated ICAI review titled ‘UK aid to India’ which was unveiled in March 2023. Addressing the nation and the international community, the government made it abundantly clear that it wholeheartedly accepted 3 of the report's recommendations, while extending partial agreement to the remaining two concerning the UK’s aid overview to India from 2016 onwards. At the heart of their stance lies an unequivocal message – the UK's investment in India stands on a robust foundation of "development rationale."

The Indo-Pacific Focus: Delving deeper into their strategic roadmap, the recently rolled-out 2023 Integrated Review Refresh (IRR) illustrated the UK's inclination towards the Indo-Pacific domain. "Developments in this region," the review articulates, "will have a disproportionate influence on the global economy, supply chains, stability, and norms of state behavior." This revelation points to a future where the Indo-Pacific isn't just a geographical entity, but a focal point of global advancements. In line with this vision, the UK's commitment to the region isn't merely a gesture but a calculated move, as they amplify their Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Indo-Pacific, resonating their strategic interests.

The UK's approach towards India took a pivotal turn in 2015, pivoting from direct bilateral financial assistance, stemming from India's own significant strides in development and its enhanced investment in internal growth. It's a testament to India's progress and self-reliance. As the official response aptly remarked, “The bulk of our bilateral offer is investment with the dual objective of development impact and preserving our capital.”

The narrative then delves into the most critical juncture. The UK government took a firm stand against the whirlwind of smear campaigns and baseless insinuations circling the UK’s “foreign aid” to India. The truth, as it stands, couldn’t be starker. Contrary to popular belief, the UK isn’t simply dolling out money as "foreign aid" to India. They are strategically investing in projects, nurturing bonds and fostering growth. The underlying sentiment is clear - it's not 'aid', it's a partnership.

As the proud citizens of these two great nations, we're not just witnesses but active participants in this evolving narrative of collaboration and mutual respect. The journey ahead promises to be as enlightening as it is exhilarating. Stay tuned, for the story is far from over.

UK’s Salute to India - A Rising Global Beacon

There’s no denying that in recent years, India has carved out a reputation for itself on the global stage, basking in newfound financial power and influence. The UK Government, not one to shy away from acknowledging India’s ascent, wholeheartedly recognized the nation's flourishing global stature. "During the review period (since 2016)," the government opined, "the World Bank and Asian Development Bank finance have also evolved." This significant evolution is marked by a shift from India receiving concessional loans to the country borrowing on equal footing with other emerging global giants.

But the UK didn't stop there. They went a step further, offering a testament to their faith in India’s vision for a sustainable future. They said, “We are providing a guarantee to the World Bank to enable them to provide an additional $1 billion of climate finance to India.”

One cannot help but think of the challenges lower and middle-income nations face, as they raise their voices against Western nations' unfulfilled commitments towards climate financing. The stark reality? Historically, these developed nations have left a heavy carbon footprint. Today, it's heartening to witness these nations finally stepping up, aligning with developing powerhouses like India, to correct their environmental trajectory.

It’s not just the economic growth that’s noteworthy but the ripple effects it has set in motion. The culmination of India's efforts is evident in the drop in poverty rates. Both the ICAI review and the UK government laudably acknowledged that it's this surge in the economy that's pivotal to India's success story in battling poverty. A statistic that's sure to swell every Indian’s heart with pride? The recent revelation by the World Bank that India has elevated a staggering 415 million souls from the clutches of poverty in a span of 15 years.

In a closing note, the UK government, while responding, underscored India's relentless pursuit to revamp the international finance institutions. They aim to rise to the contemporary developmental challenges. Not just a nod, the UK also extended its full support to India's bid in its G20 Presidency concerning this significant cause.

The claim that the UK releases foreign aid to India has no merit

The tapestry of international relations is intricate, but one thread stands out clearly – India’s journey, fueled by determination, is creating waves of change that even the oldest democracies can't help but acknowledge and appreciate. It's a story of resilience, growth, and mutual respect that continues to unfold.

Let's make one thing abundantly clear, setting the stage for a much-needed discussion on India's financial dynamics with other countries. Aid in the form of loans, climate financing, or developmental assistance facilitated by multilateral institutions is a stark contrast to what's popularly termed as 'foreign aid'. This latter category is associated with charity, emergency assistance, and donations, with no expectations of repayment from the receiving nation.

It's these very forms of 'aid' that often become the target of misguided debates and assumptions, generally rooted in a deep-seated, if outdated, notion of superiority.

Colonial Mindset: A Legacy that Refuses to Fade? The vestiges of a colonial past seem to persist in the mindset of certain British commentators, where they echo the sentiment that India's progress is heavily reliant on British 'generosity'. One of the most recent and glaring instances that highlight this narrative is the misinformed claim concerning India's remarkable Chandrayaan-3 mission. The suggestion that this landmark achievement was financed through British charity reeks of an attitude of self-aggrandization.

Take, for instance, the remarks made by British journalist Alastair Stewart in March 2022. He implied that India should not be a recipient of any form of British aid. This paternalistic tone, reminiscent of the 'White Man's Burden' rhetoric, simply doesn’t match up with the facts.

India, over the years, has consistently chosen to decline foreign 'aid', whether it be in the form of humanitarian assistance, charity, or donations. A testament to India's resolve? The consistent affirmation that India possesses the wherewithal to address its challenges independently. A shining example of this is from 2004. In the aftermath of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, India graciously declined humanitarian aid from countries including Japan, the US, and Israel. The year 2018 bore witness to a similar stand. Confronted with the worst floods in over a century in Kerala, India chose self-reliance, politely refusing aid even from close allies such as the UAE, despite their generous offer of almost $100 million.

This isn't to suggest India is entirely against the concept of foreign aid. India’s stance has evolved. The country now sees merit in welcoming long-term aid, particularly from major multinational entities like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This approach underscores India's vision of fostering partnerships that are grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.

In the grand tapestry of global relations, India's vibrant threads of self-reliance, pride, and strategic diplomacy are clear for all to see. What remains paramount is the recognition and appreciation of these values, devoid of outdated biases and misinformed perspectives.

India, with its vibrant economy and booming markets, has never shied away from embracing foreign investment. Such investments not only benefit the investor but also play a pivotal role in the nation's growth trajectory. There's a world of difference between investment and aid: the former is based on mutual benefit, while the latter often carries undertones of dependency.

The recent debates and discussions, fuelled by the ICAI's review and the official statements from the UK and Indian governments, have cast a spotlight on the true nature of the UK's financial dealings with India. The narrative is clear: No handouts are being extended. Rather, it's about strategic investments, ensuring profitability, and, importantly, climate financing, addressing the historical environmental consequences.

The British government acknowledges that only a minuscule fragment of its financial engagements with India gets channelled to Non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their statement reads, “The volume of ODA spent on open societies and democratic standards will remain relatively low as a proportion of total spend.” Yet, the spectre of these funds continues to be a matter of scrutiny in India. Concerns are rife about certain foreign-funded NGOs whose actions seem at odds with India's development vision, be it hindering infrastructural projects, political interference, or even supporting religious conversions.

The ripples of this contention reached a crescendo in January 2022. UK Parliamentarians were taken aback and urged the Indian government to reconsider its decision of not renewing the FCRA licenses for a significant number of organizations. Among them was the charitable establishment founded by the iconic Mother Teresa.

The long-standing claim that the UK is bestowing 'foreign aid' upon India falls flat upon closer inspection. What's more, India stands to benefit immensely if certain British voices, instead of perpetuating this myth, join hands to curb the activities of NGOs that misuse international funds for activities not in line with the nation's interests.

In a world rife with complexities, misinformation, and biases, it is high time to appreciate the symphony of partnerships and collaborations based on respect, growth, and mutual progress. The story of UK-India financial interactions is testament to this evolving global partnership, one rooted in reality rather than outdated notions.